Miss Merrille, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This photograph of Miss Merrille, part of the Actresses series, was produced by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic quality, emphasizing form and texture. The composition relies on a dynamic interplay of lines, with the sweeping curve of Miss Merrille’s dress contrasting against her poised stance. Light and shadow delineate the folds of the fabric, creating depth and volume. The artist has strategically framed Miss Merrille, drawing attention to her gaze and gesture. This image is a semiotic object, embedding cultural codes about femininity, performance, and consumerism. The formal arrangement of the figure, combined with the promotional intent, presents a constructed image of allure. It challenges fixed meanings, and invites viewers to explore the relationships between art, commerce, and identity.